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MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Lynx and Boston Scientific are teaming up for the second year to educate basketball fans and the local community about heart health disparities in the treatment of women and minorities. Beginning with the Lynx home game against the San Antonio Silver Stars on July 8, all 2010 home games will feature various heart health awareness activities from Boston Scientific’s Close the Gap campaign. Close the Gap is an educational initiative designed to educate, equip and empower communities and individuals to reduce disparities in cardiovascular care for women, black Americans and Latino Americans.

“Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women, killing more women than all forms of cancer combined,” said Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve. “We all need to raise awareness of heart disease risks and symptoms, particularly among women and minorities who are at a greater risk.”

Coach Reeve continued, “We are proud to be a part of the Close the Gap campaign and to partner with Boston Scientific as our 2010 community sponsor. Our hope is that this season-long program will save lives by educating the community on heart disease, risk factors and heart health tools for prevention.”

Close the Gap activities to be featured at Lynx home games include: Ask a cardiologist – At July home games, a cardiologist will staff a Close the Gap booth where fans can ask questions and receive tips for improving heart health. Faces of Heart – In July, the Lynx will launch a campaign spotlighting inspiring stories of people living with heart disease and survivors of sudden cardiac arrest. Choose to Move – In-game promotions will encourage fans to get up and DANCE to promote being active to fight against heart disease. Close the Gap Heart Health Tip – PSAs featuring Lynx players and coaches providing facts about heart disease and tips on improving heart health will air during game breaks.

“Boston Scientific is excited to be the presenting sponsor of the Lynx community relations platform in 2010. Close the Gap is an important campaign in the fight against heart disease and represents our commitment as a company to positive patient outcomes,” said Hank Kucheman, Executive Vice President and President of the Cardiology, Rhythm and Vascular Group at Boston Scientific.

About Close the Gap
Close the Gap is led by a steering committee of leading physicians from across the country. In addition to the Minnesota Lynx, other organizations actively working with the Close the Gap initiative include WomenHeart, Black Coaches and Administrators (BCA), the Association of Black Cardiologists, the Athlete’s Heartbeat and the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association. Several National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) member schools are also supporting Close the Gap efforts, including the University of Minnesota.